In the heart of Central West NSW, the protection, sustainability, and efficiency of the forest industry are closely tied to the region’s strong infrastructure, ensuring secure resources and cost-effective logistics. Oberon town stands out with its existing rail infrastructure, offering the potential to expand raw material sourcing and provide affordable freight options for delivering timber products to major markets. With this solid infrastructure, Central West NSW is poised for continued growth and success in the forestry sector for years to come.
In light of the devastating bushfires of 2019-2020, it became clear that the regional industry needed a deeper understanding of existing fire management practices and bushfire prevention strategies. To address this, the CWFH engaged specialists to develop a comprehensive report assessing the region’s ability to manage bushfire events. The report also identifies areas for improvement and opportunities for better risk mitigation, ensuring a more resilient and fire-ready forestry industry in the Central West.
Oberon’s existing rail corridor, running along the boundary of its major processing facilities, presents an opportunity to reconnect the town to Tarana and the main NSW rail network. A pre-feasibility study has explored the economic benefits of reopening the line. Reintroducing rail freight could enhance safety, reduce heavy vehicle traffic, lower road maintenance costs, and improve environmental outcomes, creating a more efficient and sustainable transport solution for the region.